Survey records 17 active White-bellied Sea Eagle nests in Kannur, Kasaragod

The annual nest monitoring survey of the White-bellied Sea Eagle recorded 17 active nesting sites in Kannur and Kasaragod districts during this season, indicating a modest increase from the 13 sites documented in 2024.

The survey, conducted jointly by the Malabar Awareness and Rescue Centre for Wildlife (MARC) and the Social Forestry Divisions of Kannur and Kasaragod, was led by Dr. Roshnath Ramesh of MARC, Rajeevan M., assistant conservator of forests, Kannur Social Forestry Division, and Jose Mathew, assistant conservator of forests, Kasaragod Social Forestry Division.

Despite the improvement, officials said the current figure remained below historical levels. Records from 1996 showed 25 active nesting sites, suggesting that the population has yet to fully recover.

Dr. Ramesh said that of the 17 sites identified this year, 10 were located in Kasaragod district and seven in Kannur. In Kasaragod, all the nests were categorised as old, while in Kannur, four nests were newly recorded and three were old.

Around 70% of the nests in Kasaragod were found within temple compounds. In contrast, nests in Kannur were spread across public lands, private properties, and coastal stretches. Interestingly, for the first time, a nest was found on a telephone tower at Kattampally, reflecting the species’ adaptability to changing landscapes.

The survey found that the eagles preferred large, mature trees for nesting. These included Ficus religiosa (4 nests), Mangifera indica (6), Alstonia scholaris (2), and Casuarina species (3).

The findings underline the importance of preserving tall trees in coastal and inhabited areas. Many nests were located within temple premises and other populated settings, indicating that the species can coexist with humans if nesting trees are protected and disturbances are minimised.

He said the White-bellied Sea Eagle usually breeds between January and March. The species breeds in the same nest each year, renovating it before the season.

Dr. Ramesh said they mostly construct their nests in tall trees, which are often cut down by people. The only way to conserve the species is to protect the trees where it builds its nests.

The White-bellied Sea Eagle, an apex predator in coastal ecosystems, is considered an indicator of marine and coastal environmental health. In Kerala, it is known to nest only in Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

The survey team has appealed to the public to report any additional nesting sites to the Forest department or MARC to aid continued monitoring and conservation efforts.